Electrocatalytic C─N Coupling in Aqueous Solutions for High‐Value Product Synthesis

ABSTRACT Organic nitrogen‐containing compounds, such as urea, amines, amides, and amino acids, play a crucial role in global biogeochemical cycles and industrial systems. Electrocatalytic C─N coupling, enabling reactions under mild conditions (room temperature/pressure) and utilizing a range of feedstocks (CO 2 , CO, N 2 , NO 3 − , and NH 3 , etc.), has emerged as a sustainable alternative for the synthesis of these chemicals. Recent advancements in diversifying product scopes via C─N coupling methodologies have significantly enhanced reaction versatility and conversion efficiency. These developments enable novel reaction pathways while addressing critical challenges, such as slow kinetics (e.g., high bond dissociation energies in N≡N or C═O bonds) and competing reactions. This review comprehensively examines the progress in electrochemical C─N coupling, with a focus on reaction mechanisms across diverse systems and the advanced catalysts driving these transformations. Furthermore, we summarize the integrated electrolytic cell design to bridge laboratory‐scale breakthroughs with sustainable large‐scale production. By overcoming existing limitations, electrocatalytic synthesis holds the potential to transform chemical manufacturing while mitigating environmental impacts.

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Publication Details

Journal
Angewandte Chemie
Published
2026-02-24
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/ange.202518370
Primary Topic
Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction
Type
article
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article

Electrocatalytic C─N Coupling in Aqueous Solutions for High‐Value Product Synthesis

Yunpeng Zuo, Dongxue Yu, Xiaoran Zhang, Xin Wang
Angewandte Chemie
Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction
article

Electrocatalytic C─N Coupling in Aqueous Solutions for High‐Value Product Synthesis

Yunpeng Zuo, Dongxue Yu, Xiaoran Zhang, Xin Wang
article en

Abstract

ABSTRACT Organic nitrogen‐containing compounds, such as urea, amines, amides, and amino acids, play a crucial role in global biogeochemical cycles and industrial systems. Electrocatalytic C─N coupling, enabling reactions under mild conditions (room temperature/pressure) and utilizing a range of feedstocks (CO 2 , CO, N 2 , NO 3 − , and NH 3 , etc.), has emerged as a sustainable alternative for the synthesis of these chemicals. Recent advancements in diversifying product scopes via C─N coupling methodologies have significantly enhanced reaction versatility and conversion efficiency. These developments enable novel reaction pathways while addressing critical challenges, such as slow kinetics (e.g., high bond dissociation energies in N≡N or C═O bonds) and competing reactions. This review comprehensively examines the progress in electrochemical C─N coupling, with a focus on reaction mechanisms across diverse systems and the advanced catalysts driving these transformations. Furthermore, we summarize the integrated electrolytic cell design to bridge laboratory‐scale breakthroughs with sustainable large‐scale production. By overcoming existing limitations, electrocatalytic synthesis holds the potential to transform chemical manufacturing while mitigating environmental impacts.

Angewandte ChemieVol. 138(14)
City University of Hong Kong (HK)
Responsible consumption and production
Openalex Percentile: Top 31%
Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction
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